Ina Araneta. FACEBOOK PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The lone goal of rookie Ina Araneta lifted Far Eastern University over University of Santo Tomas, 1-0, on Thursday at the FEU-Diliman turf to move closer to the UAAP season 76 women’s football crown.
The 17-year-old Araneta, the younger sister of national team member Ian Araneta, evaded Tigresses’ keeper Rara Luna for the goal in the 82nd minute, which proved to be enough for the Lady Tamaraws.
FEU had countless of chances on goal especially in the first half, but the defense of the no. 1 seed Tigresses held up largely because of Luna, who did a splendid job defending the goal.
“UST had a good game, we had a lot of chances but their keeper played good,” said FEU head coach Let Dimzon.
But the Lady Tamaraws finally saw an opening late in the match and pounced on it as they close in on the league-best ninth championship.
Game two of the finals is scheduled on Sunday at the same venue.